photo by Gulnara Khamatova
[This B&A generated discussion and controversy at the time for Mr. Pelt's bold comments on the Miles Meets India recording.]
Over the last decade trumpeter Jeremy Pelt has grown from promising sideman into respected leader. After graduating from Berklee, Pelt moved to New York and attracted attention through his work with the Mingus Big Band, Frank Foster, Jimmy Heath, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band featuring Louis Hayes. He has now recorded 8 CDs as a leader, including his 2011 release, “The Talented Mr. Pelt” (HighNote).
1. Joe Newman & Joe Wilder
“Secret Love” (from Hangin’ Out on Concord). Newman, Wilder, trumpets; Hank Jones, piano, Rufus Reid, bass; Marvin “Smitty” Smith, drums. Recorded in 1984.
Before: “Secret Love.” This cat has a kind of Roy Eldridge thing happening with the Harmon mute. The open horn player sounds like Joe Wilder; the inflections, the nuances, the way he scoops into some of the notes. Joe Newman had the same kind of thing, but I wish I could place the Harmon mute player. Young players need to know about Joe Wilder. He’s a very humble person and very much a gentleman. He’s one of those players that keeps a good concept of time and rhythm and harmony. I cherish those nights going to the Vanguard to see what he’s got to play. Joe’s sound is always warm but it also has openness.
After: Joe Newman was another one of those tasteful players. I first started checking him out when I was playing with Frank Foster and he wrote a tribute to Joe Newman. The most famous version of “Cherokee” is Clifford Brown’s but I also like Joe Wilder’s version [from Softly With Feeling] because his ideas are so melodic and fresh, the way he approaches every chord. [sings part of Wilder’s solo] And he does some trumpet stuff that will grab the ear of any discerning trumpet technophile. I transcribed his “Cherokee” solo. That always got to me. This is a beautiful record.
